Chapter 115 – Up Maoshan Mountain
That jerk Xiang Qing must be brain dead, no matter what we did, he refused to act shamelessly. He paced back and forth, trying hard to think of another solution to this problem. He hesitantly opened his mouth to speak, “Otherwise, how about you guys follow me up Maoshan Mountain. It’s just that living on the mountains might be a bit too strenuous, I’m afraid that miss would find it hard to adapt to.”
“Great! Miao Miao is not afraid of suffering!” I cheerfully agreed without even a thought.
Xiang Qing stared at us with a complicated expression, and continued, “I can ask Master to give you guys shelter for the mean time. In the future, when you’ve found a better place to stay, then you can leave.”
On the second day, the lonely me and Yin Zi followed Xiang Qing to this Maoshan Mountain. In the middle of the night, Mo’lin had secretly made a plaster for my injured feet. The healing process became very fast, and before long, I was able to fully jump and run around. Yin Zi always held me back telling me that I would reveal the flaws and weaknesses of our plan to Xiang Qing.
Xiang Qing who had no money or travelling expenses dragged Mo’lin towards the dock to do small work and little errands upon arriving at another city. His strength was really great therefore he was able to carry a great deal weight. With the money that was earned, he bought a straw hat for Yin Zi and I, and a dozen steamed buns.
As Mo’lin returned, he muttered cries which shook the heavens, he stretched out his worn and overworked hands and bitterly complained that ever since becoming an immortal, he had never been given a larger punishment. Since when did Immortals do hard labour just for a few copper coins…..Bi Qingshen Jun ah, you owe me big time! Must pay me back!
I hurriedly held onto Mo’lin’s hands and said, “I’ll help you blow on it. Every time Xiao Mao was hurt, he would tell me to blow on it and it won’t hurt anymore.”
“You’re not Mo’lin’s mother.” Yin Zi threw a blank stare towards him and then continued to stare in a daze at the gold and silver Jian Nan had sent over. His mouth nagging, “How should I spend all these…..”
This kind of ‘having money but not willing to spend’ mindset was quite upsetting. But in order to have a smooth marriage, we agreed to set aside individual differences and overcome all difficulties!
Like this, Xiang Qing rigorously gnawed at his plain steamed bread and continued doing odd jobs while I just leisurely drank my fish soup. On the fifth day, when we’ve finally earned enough travelling expenses, we persuaded an old coachman to kindly give us a ride to Maoshan Mountain. The Mo’lin who’ve had plenty of hardships on this journey suddenly made an excuse to leave saying his loving wife was waiting for him to return home, and then quickly escaped.
Yin Zi and I climbed onto the carriage and settled down near the rear. Xiang Qing accompanied the coachman by helping out with holding the reins and guiding the horses.
Yin Zi took advantage of the spare time on the journey to quiz me on my knowledge of proper etiquette. Only when I pa.s.sed his tests did he finally become at ease. From time to time, I would casually lift up the curtain to take a glance at Xiang Qing, my heart would frantically beat every time. I would sometimes ask in my mind whether or not he would suddenly abandon me again.
Under this frequent and constant attention, Xiang Qing’s face glowed red. He lowered his head silently and no longer glanced back…..
After traveling for several days, we’ve arrived and were dropped off at a place about ten miles from Maoshan Mountain. The old driver approached Xiang Qing and softly spoke to him, “The lady’s affection for you is quite deep, young fellow is quite lucky. Not sure which one, but who is it that you fancy?”
Hearing these words Xiang Qing became even more embarra.s.sed. He immediately thanked the old driver, and led us towards the mountain.
Maoshan Mountain wasn’t too steep. Many people resided on this mountain where it contained splendid views of the mountain side and rich and exuberant weather. The sight of people coming and going was extremely lively. Once we entered through the sect doors, our eyes came across waving flags atop the roofs, a cold and empty hall, and many rows of chairs. Many of the Daoist Priests were beneath their sect emblem talking to the guests and trying to recruit them.
Xiang Qing forced a smile and lead us inside. Seeing him return, a Daoist Priest who was in charge of cleaning politely exclaimed, “Sixth Senior Brother welcome back.” Afterwards, he no longer paid him anymore attention, and just curiously stared in our direction for a few glances.
“Miss, please wait here for a moment so I can go and inform my Master.” Xiang Qing gave us a polite bow and walked towards a gold foiled house in the backyard.
Yin Zi stared at the glittering arrangements around us and said with envy, “The decoration here is really good. When we return, we must be sure to grab a few pieces.”
I stretched my neck to get a glimpse of Xiang Qing’s back as he slowly walked away, I worriedly asked, “Shifu’s Master should be called Grand Master, right?”
Yin Zi gave a blank stare and said, “Don’t say anything out of place, just wait and follow along with me.”
Before long, there was a ‘hmph’ sound made by an old man, “Brat, did you go down the mountain to marry a wife or to exterminate demons? You even brought back two extra mouths to feed? Do you think the Maoshan Sect is some generous rice house?”
I quickly straightened my ears to eavesdrop on their conversation; Xiang Qing’s voice was very helpless, “Shifu, they are both helpless and without a home, they are very pitiful so please accommodate them just this once. Once a more suitable place is found, this disciple can escort them away.”
“You are really something, can’t you not be such a good person?” The old man seemed to be furious, “When others go hunting for demons, they are earning money, and when you go, you are going in debt instead. You’re talent is obviously greater than all your fellow brothers, but when it comes to your ability to make money, it is bad on a whole new level! It’s not like I haven’t taught you the means of surviving and making money in this world, how come you don’t utilize it?! What a waste of expectation!”
“This old’s man’s words are well said! Suits my appet.i.te very well.” I fiercely glared at Yin Zi’s words.
“This disciple knows his wrongdoings, I hope Shifu understands.” Xiang Qing’s tone was neither overbearing nor humble.
The old man only scolded Xiang Qing for a small while, and finally relented, “Whatever, I’ll just go and take a look at them myself, they can probably do some ch.o.r.es here and there saving me the expenses of a servant.”
After speaking, the old man swaggered out of the door. He wore a beautiful gold-embroidered robe, had a head of gray hair, a pair of sharp eyes, and a serious expression on.
Yin Zi and I both removed our straw hats and gave a curtsy as Xiang Qing quickly introduced, “This is my Master Wu Daochang.”
When Wu Daochang saw the two of us, his eyes glimmered for a second. He touched his beard and mysteriously said, “This Maoshan Sect does not receive guests, this is our rule, has Xiang Qing discussed this with you?”
Yin Zi hurriedly took a step forward and smile, “The reputation of Maoshan Sect’s ability to exorcise demons is renown in the world. My family’s miss and I would like to become members of the sect, I do not know if whether or not this would be possible.”
“I can’t, I can’t. Our Maoshan Sect can’t just casually accept anyone as disciples.” Wu Daochang shook his head, quickly rejecting our proposal.
From his waist, Yin Zi brought out a finger long hairpin with a pearl surrounded by pieces of emerald coloured jade. He put on a pitiful expression and handed it to Wu Daochang, “This is the Hua Family’s ancestral treasure that’s been pa.s.sed down by the generations…..Our lady’s mother entrusted her with this treasure before dying. The Miss and I have discussed and are willing to hand this over in hopes of joining the sect.”
“This is an ancestral treasure, you can’t just casually hand it over.” Xiang Qing’s voice was anxious.
“Silence! For a disciple to gift their master a gift is only natural, there nothing wrong with it!” Wu Daochang turned his head to scold. With a smile he accepted the hairpin from us and said, “Although normally our Maoshan Sect does not accept many female disciples, you two will be exceptions since you appear to have quite the apt.i.tude and spirit. Who knows, you two may even be the fortune makers for the future of the sect. Tomorrow, you two may come to officially register.”
After that, he called over a young child who appeared to be around seven years to guide us to where the female disciples resided. Yin Zi and I let out a sigh of relief, but on Xiang Qing’s face was anxiousness. As Wu Daochang left, he quietly said, “Don’t be sad, I’ll think of a way to get your treasure back in the future.”